Software Engineering (with placement year)

Software Engineering is at the heart of all modern technology, and plays a key role in every industry. It incorporates disciplines such as:

• Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Software Engineering

• Cyber Security

You will study subjects including:

• software systems design and testing

• large-scale database systems

• system security management

• mobile applications

• enterprise-pro

• artificial intelligence

If you have a passion for technology, our BEng in Software Engineering will teach you to create and innovate through information technologies and computer programming. It is designed for problem-solvers, looking to address challenges in our interconnected, technology-orientated society.

You’ll first learn the principles that underpin computer science, giving you a strong technical foundation on which to build. The programme shares a common first year with our computer science programmes, enabling you to transfer between programmes at the end of the first year if interests or career aspirations emerge in other areas.

The emphasis then moves to the design and implementation of large software engineering programmes, and you will study subjects including:

• mobile applications

• system security management

• software verification

• database systems

Placement Year
This 4-year BEng (Hons) Software Engineering programme offers you the opportunity to take up a placement year working in industry in your third year.
The placement year is an excellent way to develop your professional experience, build industry contacts, and gain insight into the day-to-day work of a professional software engineer. This is full-time employment in an area relevant to your studies, and may be a salaried position.

After completing your placement you’ll return to complete the final year of the programme, and apply all you’ve learnt to your final project. Many students continue their relationship with their placement employers, working for them part-time or returning to work in graduate positions after finishing their studies.
In recent years students have gone on placement with a range of employers including: large companies such as Hewlett Packard, Intel, IBM, Rolls Royce, GE, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan. There are also many openings with local firms and organisations such as Citizens Advice, local software houses and small businesses in the local region.

Although most placements take place within the UK there may be opportunities in a number of countries with some firms or specific placements abroad with some companies. Recent examples include placements in Germany, Bulgaria and Estonia.

Professional Accreditation
This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Year 1:
Computer Architecture and Systems Software (core)
Fundamentals of Programming (core)
Internet Technologies (core)
Mathematics for Computing (core)
Software Design & Development (core)
Technical and Professional Skills (core)

Year 2:
Computer Communications and Networks (core)
Data Structures and Algorithms (core)
Database Systems (core)
Enterprise Pro (core)
Information Engineering and Testing (core)
System Security Management (core)

Year 3:
Placement Year

Year 4:
Final Year Project (core)
Mobile Applications (core)
Software Verification (core)
Concurrent and Distributed Systems (option)
Elective (option)
Large Scale Data Driven Applications (option)
Neural Networks and Fuzzy Systems (option)

Most modules use a mixture of formal lectures, practical lab sessions, tutorials and seminars. Some modules involve supervised group work, usually with an assigned academic staff member for each group. All modules require students to undertake independent study, supported through distance learning technologies such as our Virtual Learning Environment. Reading lists and suggested resources for independent study provide further direction for students to undertake this work, and regular contact hours and informal feedback throughout the courses provide opportunities for further guidance for learners. Assessments for modules mostly take the form of practical coursework, lab tests and written exams, with all forms being well represented throughout all years of the course across all modules

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT